The Angelus
By Jean Francois Millet

The Angelus
By Jean Francois Millet (1814-1875)
In the Louvre, Paris

Millet was one of the famous group of French painters who founded what is now known as the "Barbizon" School. He was the son of a peasant farmer, and his outlook was coloured by the incidents of peasant life which find such eloquent expression in his pictures. His work is distinguished by an absolute truthfulness to Nature which was the guiding principle of his life. He saw the peasant bent at his work in the fields, and he pictured him in all his gaunt poverty and weariness, while he invested him, by his inspired vision, with the symbolical dignity of labour. Thus, in painting life, Millet reveals the sublime in the commonplace, the promise hidden in the pain, and the mercy that hovers over sorrow.

"The Angelus" completes a series of three pictures by Millet which are considered his masterpieces. "The Sowers" typifies the labourer going forth bearing good seed with him "The Gleaners" shows the end of the harvest which has supplied the people's wants and left something over for the needy. "The Angelus" depicts the labourers' thanks for the gift of plenty.

The last picture is the most popular of all the works of this artist, and it expresses in full measure the simplicity and devoutness of his nature. His wish was to make the spectator realise the vesper hour, when the soft chimes call the toiler to thankful rest. The man and the woman have worked well, as their full sacks bear witness, and they are bending their heads in gratitude to their Creator for His gifts. On a small canvas, twenty-five inches long and twenty-one inches high, the painter has created a scene that is at once a prayer and an inspiration, which will hold its strong appeal as long as the colours last.

From the book "Famous Paintings" printed in 1913.

Large files of this public domain print are available at Stock Photos at Songs of Praise
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Page Comments

2016-07-14
I have a wooden puzzle with the Angelus prine by Millet on it. It was made
in Wethersfield, Ct but do not know the date. I would like the know how
old it is. Thank you. It's a beautiful wooden puzzle and had been put
away for a long time. It ame in a black box with the name of the
manufacturer on it.
Janet Turner

2011-03-16
I have this painting in my kitchen (by Home Interiors) Love it!
Sharon

2011-02-14
This painting is amazing to me. I chose it for a school project.